Debbie Wasserman Schultz Announces Bid for Florida’s District 20 Amid Redistricting

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a seasoned Congressional Democrat, is launching her campaign for Florida’s District 20. This district includes southern Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Tamarac, and nearby cities, following the recent redistricting.

Four Black Democratic primary candidates for the district recently gathered privately to discuss uniting behind one candidate to challenge Wasserman Schultz. This group believes that consolidating their efforts would increase the chance of defeating her in a district designed to ensure Black representation.

Elijah Manley, one of the candidates in attendance, expressed optimism about reaching a consensus before the qualifying period ends. He stated, “We didn’t finalize an agreement, but we are making progress toward consolidation.”

The meeting follows changes made by the Florida Legislature, which significantly altered South Florida’s congressional districts. The new map moved Black communities into majority-white districts and divided Wasserman Schultz’s previous district, prompting her to run for the 20th District.

Wasserman Schultz cited support from the Congressional Black Caucus and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, yet Jeffries did not formally endorse her. Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the CBC, clarified that Wasserman Schultz was not encouraged by the caucus to seek this district.

Efforts to reach Wasserman Schultz’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Florida’s 20th District was originally formed in 1992 under the Voting Rights Act to address racial discrimination. This district historically facilitated the election of Florida’s first Black congressional members in decades. Governor Ron DeSantis’s recent map amendments aimed to bolster Republican chances in upcoming elections by altering Black representation.

If we allow them to erase the history, we’re back here all over again.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick stressed the importance of addressing threats to Black political representation, urging Democrats and allies to recognize the implications of Wasserman Schultz’s candidacy.

Luther Campbell, another candidate, emphasized the importance of the election for the Democratic Party, noting a feeling of disenfranchisement among Black voters, particularly men.

The deadline for candidates to qualify for the August 18 primary is June 12.

This article was updated to clarify comments made by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz about the Congressional Black Caucus. It was originally published on June 2, 2026. Raisa Habersham covers race and culture for the Miami Herald and has a background in reporting on housing and affordability.